Abstract: The invention relates to the use of metal cation-exchangeable layered clays in organic reactions which are catalysed by protons in which intercalated water is not a stoichiometric reactant. Such organic reactions include the production of esters by the reaction of an olefin or an olefin oxide with a carboxylic acid, the production of ethers by reaction of an alcohol with an olefin or an olefin oxide, the production of ethers by the reaction of a primary or secondary aliphatic alcohol or an olefin oxide, the production of bis-sec-alkyl ethers from alkenes, the production of alkyl aromatic compounds by the reaction of an aromatic hydrocarbon with an olefin or alcohol and the production of alcohols by the hydration of olefins.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion of a metal surface in an aqueous system comprising introducing corrosion inhibiting cations into the aqueous system. The corrosion inhibiting cations are selected from the group comprising cations of yttrium and cations of the metals of the lanthanum series which metals have atomic numbers from 57 to 71 inclusive. The cations may be introduced in the form of water soluble salts. Alternatively the cations may be releasably bound by ion exchange to a substrate and the ion-exchanged substrate introduced into the aqueous system.

Abstract: A cyclone separator comprises (a) an inlet portion having generally the form of a volume of revolution, and one or more inlet channels, (b) a vortex finder outlet coaxial with the inlet portion and projecting into the inlet portion, (c) a generally axially symmetrical converging separation portion adjacent to the inlet portion and on the opposite side from the vortex finder outlet, and, optionally (d) a downstream portion into which the separation portion converges. The geometry of each section is defined by a series of mathematical relationships.

Abstract: Method of determining the conductance state of a non-volatile memory device switchable between high and low conductance states. The device comprises at least one p-type amorphous or microcrystalline semiconductor and an n or i-type layer. The device is irradiated with light to produce a photovoltaic response which is used to determine the conductance state.

Abstract: An HIPR emulsion of oil in water is prepared by a method comprising the steps of (a) generating a foam by beating a gas into an aqueous solution of a surfactant and (b) dispersing the foam into the oil under low shear conditions in the range 10 to 1,000 reciprocal seconds in such manner that an emulsion is formed comprising distorted oil droplets having mean droplet diameters in the range 2 to 50 microns, separated by aqueous films, 70 to 98% by volume of the liquid content of the emulsion being oil.The method is applicable to both high and low viscosity oils.Depending on the nature of the oil, the emulsions can be used in the food, drug, cosmetics and petroleum industries.

Abstract: A solid carbonaceous fuel containing up to 10% wt of calcium compounds and 0.1 to 5% wt of added iron added as oxide, carbonate or elemental iron or as substantially halogen and sulphate-free iron-containing substances forming iron oxide or carbonate under furnace conditions. The additives act synergistically to reduce NO.sub.x.

Abstract: A composition for use after reductive activation as a catalyst in the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons of carbon number greater than one, which composition before reductive activation has the formula:Ru.sub.a.A.sub.b.XO.sub.x (I)whereinA is an alkali metal,X is a rare earth metal,a is greater than zero and up to 5% w/w, based on the total weight of the composition,b is in the range from zero to 5% w/w, based on the total weight of the composition,x is a number such that the valence requirements of the other elements for oxygen is satisfied, and subject to the requirements of x, X constitutes the remainder of the composition,is produced by the steps of:(A) bringing together at a temperature below 50.degree. C.

Abstract: Mineral particles are separated from solid carbonaceous fuel by using magnetic separation. A mixture of mineral particles, carbonaceous fuel, ferromagnetic particles and polyacrylamide in water is subjected to magnetic separation to remove a magnetized fraction enriched in mineral water.

Abstract: Novel composite conductors are provided comprising interpenetrating networks of a continuous electronic conducting material and a continuous ionic conducing material. Also provided is a method of producing films of the same.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of a mineral from an underground unconsolidated formation comprises the steps of:(a) driving a casing through the overburden and into the mineral bearing pay zone,(b) passing a high pressure water jet head and associated supply line down through the casing so that an annulus is formed between the casing and the supply line and the jet head projects just beyond the casing,(c) directing water from the jet head into the pay zone to cause disintegration of the latter,(d) recovering desired product through the annulus between the piping and the casing,(e) moving the jet head to a different level in the pay zone when the previous level is effectively exhausted, and(f) moving the casing in association with the jet head so that the latter remains in the same operating position with respect to the casing with the jet head projecting just beyond the casing.The method is particularly suitable for extracting bitumen from tar sands.

Abstract: This invention relates to the aromatization of methane rich hydrocarbon feedstock by contact with a gallium loaded zeolite containing a Group VIIB metal or metal compound as catalyst. The preferred metal is rhenium. The reaction proceeds at a temperature between 600.degree.-800.degree. C. in the absence of oxygen. The reaction products are useful as gasoline blending components.

Abstract: Process for the production of synthesis gas and hydrocarbons in which a saturated hydrocarbon and an oxygen containing gas having a ratio of hydrocarbon to oxygen of greater than the stoichiometric ratio for complete combustion are introduced together with hydrogen into a bed of particulate material. The upward flow rate of the gases is sufficiently large to fluidize or to cause a spouting action of the bed material. The hydrocarbon, oxygen containing gas and hydrogen are ignited and reacted together and the products of the reaction are withdrawn.

Abstract: A drill shoe adapted to fit onto a drill pipe of external diameter d.sub.e and internal diameter d.sub.i comprises an externally stepped cutting surface comprising a plurality of steps, the diameters of the steps increasing as they progress away from the tip of the shoe. The maximum external diameter D.sub.e of the shoe is greater than the external diameter d.sub.e of the drill pipe. The shoe also comprises an internal, substantially cylindrical, inner surface of diameter D.sub.i, D.sub.i being less than the internal diameter d.sub.i of the drill pipe.The shoe is suitable for use in a vibratory drill string for obtaining cores from unconsolidated geological formations, such as soil, sand and gravel or similar materials.

Abstract: Water-insoluble polyoxyalkylene graft copolymers are effective anti-foam agents for reducing foaming in crude oil/gas separators. The copolymers are of formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an ethylene, propylene or butene group or a mixture thereof;R' is a hydrocarbyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms;R" is a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group or an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms;(a) is a number in the range 100 to 250;(b) is a number in the range 1 to 6;(c) is a number in the range 1 to 10; and(d) is a number in the range 10 to 100.They are particularly useful in breaking microgas dispersions and foams resulting from crude oils with a high gas to oil ratio.

Abstract: A pumpable slurry of material particles in water comprises coarse mineral particles having a particle size in the range 5 to 50 mm and fine mineral particles having a size less than 200 micron. The slurry contains 82 to 85%, preferably 83-85%, by weight of mineral particles based on the combined weight of the mineral particles and water. At least 30% by weight of the mineral particles are in the form of coarse particles, 10 to 40% by weight are in the form of fine particles and the balance to 100% by weight are intermediate sized particles.The mineral particles are preferably coal.Slurries of this concentration have special properties in that they are sufficiently fluid to be pumped through a pipeline, yet sufficiently solid when static to be handled by grabs and similar devices.

Abstract: A subsea pumpdown tool launcher is provided which permits pumpdown operations without requiring riser access from the surface. The launcher includes an entry valve connected to an upper connection of a fluid circulation line which is, in turn, connectable to a pump. An unrestricted riser section is connected to the lower connection of the circulation line. The bottom of this riser section attaches to the top of a second valve for the exit or entry of a pumpdown tool to or from a subsea wellhead. The bottom of the second valve is connected to the top of a lower connection of the fluid circulation line. The bottom of the lower connection is connected to the top of a subsea wellhead assembly.

Abstract: A tool loading device which enables a wireline tool to be presented vertically to a vertical lubricator comprises two sections--a centralizing hub which is connectable to the upper end of a tool entry system and a latch arm section which carries the tool.The centralizing hub has an entry in its upper surface and a projection and/or recess on its lower surface.The latch arm section comprises (a) a tube for carrying the tool, (b) latch arm pivot hub slidably mounted on the tube, (c) latch arms pivoted at one end of the latch arm pivot hub and bearing a lug at the other end adapted for engagement with the projection and/or recess on the centralizing hub, (d) latch arm engagement rams pivotably mounted at one end to the latch arm pivot hub and at the other to a pivot point on the latch arm, and (e) vertical alignment rams connecting the latch arm pivot hub to the centralizing hub.

Abstract: Ethylene is produced by the selective hydrogenation of acetylene in the presence of carbon monoxide at a concentration of greater than 1% vol, generally greater than 5% vol, and optionally also ethylene by contact at an elevated temperature in the range from 100.degree. to 500.degree. C. with a catalyst comprising a metal oxide or sulphide or mixture of metal oxides or sulphides having hydrogenation activity, for example ZnO either alone or in combination with other metal oxides or sulphides.

Abstract: Thioesters of the formula RCOSR are produced from a mercaptan of the formula RSH wherein R is a benzylic, aromatic or aliphatic moiety by reacting the mercaptan with carbon monoxide in the presence of a polyunsaturated olefinic hydrocarbon and as catalyst a metal component selected from iron, cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium and iridium, the metal component being in free or combined form.

Abstract: Benzylic and aromatic mercaptans are desulphurized by contacting the mercaptan with carbon monoxide at elevated temperatures in the presence of an aqueous hydrocarbon and a cobalt carbonyl catalyst.